HPD officer shoots stabbing suspect in southwest Houston

Authorities say a police officer shot a man in southwest Houston last night in order to save a woman's life.

According to investigators, Houston police officers were flagged down around 10:30pm by someone reporting an assault in progress at a strip center on West Bellfort near South Gessner.

Two officers arrived at about the same time. Police said they heard witnesses yell, "He's stabbing her!" Then, they saw it for themselves.

The officers reportedly spotted Dhafir Rasheed, holding the 34-year-old victim by the throat outside of his car and stabbing her repeatedly in the neck and arm.

Officials said the officers told Rasheed to let the woman go. When he stopped stabbing her and released his grip, she fell onto the pavement unconscious.

But it didn't end there.

"He has the car now in reverse with with her head and body underneath the vehicle," HPD spokesperson John Cannon said.

One of the officers fired his duty weapon once, hitting Rasheed.

The suspect and victim were both taken to Ben Taub General Hospital. Police said the woman suffered multiple stab wounds, but she is expected to survive.

Rasheed, 34, is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officials said he is also expected to survive.

Witnesses told police the officer who fired his weapon may have saved the woman's life. That officer -- identified as Officer G. Potter -- was not hurt. He has been with HPD for three years and is assigned to South Gessner Patrol.